Inland Scotland Minileague - November 2016

Inland Scotland must be one of the most competitive comparative leagues with just over 7% separating the entire league. A good December could see anyone claim the top spot.

Onto the highlights for November, David Douglas may be languishing in 7th spot but he added 12% (20 points) with the highlight a Common Scoter at Loch Leven. Graeme Garner (Crambus) and Chris Pendlebury joined the Waxwing fun at Dunblane and Chris also added Raven and Goosander at Kinneil.

David Douglas's 20 points see's him leap frog Alastair Forsyth at the top and gain a commanding 13 point lead this late in the year. Alastair was another lucky patcher to see Waxwing (and another Siberian Chiffchaff) while Graeme Garner managed a cracking duo for an inland patch, Scaup and Mediterranean Gull. Mike Hodgkin also added Waxwing this month as well as White-fronted Goose. The wintery feel was rounded off with a Lesser Redpoll at Kilmany for Andy Cage. 

Like the comparative league a good December could see a bit of a shuffle...

White-fronted Goose always a target late in the year for patchers

Coastal Scotland Minileague - November 2016

A familiar look at the top of the comparative league as the top 5 remains the same with little added over November. Waxwings were the bird of the month, recorded in at least 5 of the patches including the table toppers Chris Rodgers at Musselburgh, Stephen Welch at Gosford and Andrew Whitehouse at Girdle Ness. Other than that it was a quiet month for the coastal Scotland stalwarts, here's hoping December brings more joy.

Star bird for November on the Scottish coast

A similar story in the points league as the top 5 remain the same and very few points added throughout the league. The biggest winner in November was Colin Davison as a great seawatch closed the gap to the top spot by adding Little Auk, Grey Phalarope and Slavonian Grebe, a terrific trio! A good December could see him snatch top spot from Geoff Morgan. It is also a tight contest for 3rd place with only 4 points separating Mike Hodgkin and Chris Rodger, who will claim the bronze medal with a good December?